Lyon's Kathairon

This was the product of Emanuel Thomas Lyon starting around 1850. An ad in 1853 (see below) indicated that his business was at 161 Broadway, New York City. This was the same address the business was at when Demas Barnes was the Proprietor. An ad in 1873 indicated he (they) had over 30 years experience. It was sold by Demas Barnes & Co. during that time - he worked for them. Later, Heath, Wyncoop & Co. took over proprietorship (1859). The Lyon Mfg Co. registered the brand name "Kathairon" as a trademark in 1893. The Proprietors at that time said that the brand name had been in use since 1850. Lyon's Kathairon was still listed for sale in the 1896 Morrison & Plummer catalog.

In 1893, the Pharmaceutical Era printed two recipes for "Lyon's Kathairon." The earlier recipe contained about 75% alcohol, and 25% castor oil, with 240 grams of tincture of cantharides, and small amounts of tannin, and fragrant oils. The other formula contained 3 ounces of alcohol, 1 ounce of castor oil, 1 fluid dram of tincture cantharides, 20 minims of oil of bergamot, and 1 drop of stronger water of ammonia.

Notice that the bottle in the 1853 ad is not like the ones we all have seen. I wonder if there really is one like that.

Tradecards, ads, etc.
Lyon's Kathairon (1)

BOTTLE DESCRIPTIONS

1 Rectangular, 6 1/8", double-ring top, 4 panels, O.P., aqua or clear, side: "LYON'S" front: "KATHAIRON" side: "NEW YORK" horizontal on rear: "FOR - THE - HAIR"
2 Rectangular, 6 1/8", graduated top, 4 panels, BIM, aqua, side: "LYON'S" front: "KATHAIRON" side: "NEW YORK" horizontal on rear: "FOR - THE - HAIR"